Bollards, banking, and big water pipes for smoking marijuana or other drugs Happy 10th 420, Seattle

Seattle is set to celebrate the 10th anniversary of legal cannabis, with local retailers preparing for promotions to mark the occasion. The industry has flourished since the first recreational pot shop, Ruckus, opened in 2015, contributing to over $1 billion in sales in 2023. This growth has significant implications for state funding, as a 37% excise tax supports various health and regulatory programs. However, challenges persist, such as the ongoing threat of robberies and the limited success of social equity initiatives aimed at improving access for marginalized communities. The recent installation of protective bollards at The Reef underscores the industry's struggle with security issues.

In a positive development, the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation Banking Act is gaining traction, which could alleviate the cash-only status of cannabis businesses and improve their safety. As Seattle reflects on a decade of cannabis legalization, the future of the industry looks promising yet complex, requiring attention to both economic benefits and social justice. The interplay of safety, regulation, and equity will continue to shape the landscape of cannabis in Washington.